Somalia's SWS decries Al-Shabaab's sanctions on Baidoa, vows action

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Somalia's SWS decries Al-Shabaab's sanctions on Baidoa, vows action

BAIDOA (HORN OBSERVER) – Somalia's Southwest State administration has taken a strong stance against the sanctions imposed by Al-Shabaab on the city of Baidoa, which serves as the temporary seat for the administration.

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Southwest State officials and security officers condemned Al-Shabaab's sanctions on Baidoa during a Saturday 15 July 2023 meeting in Baidoa.

BAIDOA (HORN OBSERVER) – Somalia's Southwest State administration has taken a strong stance against the sanctions imposed by Al-Shabaab on the city of Baidoa, which serves as the temporary seat for the administration.

In a meeting convened by the members of the security committee on Saturday, decisions were made to address the plight faced by businessmen and the public, with an announcement that an operation will soon be launched to break the siege imposed by Al-Shabaab and reopen the blocked roads.

The ongoing sanctions, which have been in effect for several weeks, have severely hindered the transportation of food and essential items into Baidoa.

Al-Shabaab’s ban on goods reaching the city has resulted in a scarcity of vital supplies, burdening the local residents. Consequently, the prices of various commodities such as food, gas, and cooking oil have skyrocketed, exacerbating the challenges faced by the community.

Residents said the cost of essential food items, medicine, and fuel has more than doubled as a result of the ongoing besiege. People living in Baidoa lament that goods that were once sold for one dollar are now being sold for three dollars.

Isaaq Mohamed Ali, the Deputy Commissioner of the Baidoa District Administration, has sternly warned traders against further price increases on essential food items. He emphasized that starting from today, July 15, 2023, any additional price hikes will not be tolerated, as they directly impact the lives of the people.

"Every day, traders are raising the prices of food. We are issuing a warning starting today, July 15, that this practice is unacceptable,” declared the Baidoa District Deputy Governor.

Mohamed Isaaq Abdi, the Southwest Security Minister, confirmed that the road between Mogadishu and Baidoa remains open; however, Al-Shabaab has warned truck drivers with stern action to obstruct the transportation of goods from Mogadishu.

Attended by army officers, ministers, and officials at the district level, the meeting of Southwest State officials yielded a united front against Al-Shabaab’s sanctions.

The regional authorities announced their intention to launch an operation aimed at opening the blocked roads, thereby restoring the flow of essential goods to Baidoa.